The name for this stretch was coined by On Point Physical Therapist Susan Masturzo, thanks to a personal experience with the stretch that she can only describe as… well, UGLY. This stretch is great for runners, dancers, and anyone who uses their legs (so it’s good for everyone, really). It helps resolve pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. The Ugly Stretch targets the calf, which is usually the ‘bully’ of all lower extremity muscles, and tends to cause most everyday leg pain.
- Find a sturdy structure (walls, posts, trees, etc.)
- Kneel on one knee and put the heel of your injured leg on the base of the structure.
- Keeping your heel on the base of the structure, stand up and straighten both legs, keeping them apart. You should feel a substantial pull in the calf and possibly the hamstring.
- Hold this position for 20-40 seconds.
- Switch to the other leg, and repeat.
- Do this to each leg a minimum of two times.
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